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Extraordinary Areas to Shop in Denver
and Colorado Springs
Shopping in Cherry Creek North
Photo by Denise Chambers/Weaver
Multimedia Group, Courtesy
Department of the Colorado Tourism Office
Denver Shopping Hot Spots
Denver shopping is more
than cowboy boots and belt buckles. Trendy boutiques,
world-class salons and an array of art can also be found
in the state’s capital city. Don’t be surprised if you
bring back an extra suitcase filled with gifts for
friends and great finds for yourself. Use this quick
guide to find the shopping area that fits your style.
Broadway
Where: Broadway Ave., north of Evans Ave.
The find: Antiques
The lowdown: Rare finds
from the opulent to the everyday are available along
this row of antique shops. Denver is a city that found
its roots as a gathering place during the gold and
silver rush, and after the crash it grabbed modernity
and progress by the horns. The rich history of the
area’s past now makes for incredible antiquing. Find
your piece of the past for sale at any of the area’s
shops.
Insider insight: Most
shops specialize in a specific type of antique, such as
furniture, jewelry or clothing. If you’re a collector
who knows what you want, stop by the shop that caters to
your collection.
Santa Fe Drive
Where: Santa Fe Drive from 10th Ave. to 3rd Ave.
The find: Locally crafted and imaginatively inspired
art
The lowdown: Along this
art-friendly area, 32 galleries vie for your artistic
eye in seven short blocks. Find modern compositions,
classic styles, culturally significant creations and
everything else that draws the eye and entices the
spirit. Mediums run the gamut from acrylics on canvas to
chiseled sculptures of stone.
Insider insight: This
area hosts an art walk on the first Friday evening of
every month. It’s a popular activity where patrons can
visit galleries, meet artists and enjoy free libations.
Cherry Creek North
Where: 3rd Ave. to 1st Ave. between University Blvd.
and Steele St.
The find: Independently owned boutiques, salons,
restaurants and galleries
The lowdown: Touted as
the region’s largest collection of independent
businesses, it takes boutique shopping seriously. Being
original in your style is easy because many of what is
sold is one-of-a-kind. From designer t-shirts to
stilettos, halter-tops to evening gowns, this area has
an ample offering. And with designers selling exclusive
creations at these shops, some of the items are
literally impossible to find elsewhere. Insider insight:
Free Wi-Fi is available to shoppers who have their own
wireless-ready laptops. Check your email while out and
about, or look up movie times at nearby cinemas.
Broadway
Where: Broadway Ave., south of 1st Ave.
The find: Kitsch/Retro Shops
The lowdown: The
difference between antique and retro are only separated
by a few years. And in Denver they’re only separated by
a few blocks. Just north of a notoriously popular
antique section sits the center of the retro world in
Denver. From vinyl and egg-shaped chairs to modern
design inspired by a bygone era, you get the kitsch-cool
look and feel here.
Insider insight: The
owners themselves, who’ve made a lifestyle out of the
kitschy and eclectic, staff many of these small shops.
Strike up a conversation and you might be able to hear
the story of a vintage find that catches your eye.
16th Street Mall
Where: 16th St., from Wynkoop St. to Broadway Ave.
The find: Outdoor shopping and patio dining
The lowdown: This
16-block pedestrian mall runs through the heart of
downtown Denver. Take in a movie, fill up on food or
shop till you wear your shoes to the insole. With dozens
of restaurants and shops lining the mall, it’s easy to
keep moving. Or take a break and enjoy fantastic
people-watching with a front-row seat on the patio of a
restaurant.
Insider insight: Shop all
you want. If your bags get to heavy too carry, hop on
the free shuttle that runs the length of the mall every
15 minutes. This ped-mall is also a Wi-Fi hotspot; if
you’ve got a wireless card, just turn on your laptop and
log in to find local movie times or check out any online
discounts.
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Colorado Springs Shopping Hot Spots
Here, in the shadow of
majestic Pike’s Peak, shopping seems to have a certain
pioneering spirit. You’ll venture into clusters of
quirky, independent-minded boutiques, progressive
shopping centers with mountain vistas, and areas where
the shops reflect the region’s distinctive history and
geology. Our guide to select retail locales in Colorado
Springs will get your shopping exploits started on the
right track.
Downtown
Where: Central Colorado Springs; the intersection of
Tejon and Bijou streets and surrounding blocks
The find: Urban and independent
The lowdown: In a time
when downtown areas throughout the country are becoming
increasingly homogenous, Colorado Springs’ downtown
seems to be bucking the trend. Here, visitors can stroll
through an overwhelming number of independent shops
filled with original finds ranging from chic stationary
to bargain outdoor gear. Nearby Colorado College lends
the area a youthful and bohemian feel in the form of
down-to-earth coffee shops, well-supplied new and used
bookstores, and fashion-forward clothing shops. To get
around, try the free shuttle, which runs a loop through
the main downtown area.
Insider insight: Each
July, the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Parade takes place
downtown, bringing floats, horse-drawn wagons and equine
groups galloping through the streets. Bring the family,
and afterwards spend the afternoon strolling through the
shops.
Old Colorado City
Where: Western Colorado Springs; West Colorado Avenue
between 21st and 30th Streets
The find: Old West and Southwest antiques
The lowdown: This now
touristy area of Colorado Springs was one of Colorado’s
earliest settlements. In 1861, it became the Colorado
Territory’s first capital, a home to miners, farmers,
outfitters and freighters in the gold rush days. Today,
it retains a bit of Old West atmosphere with historic
brick buildings and shady streets. You’ll find Colorado
Springs’ biggest cluster of art galleries here, mostly
with Southwestern collections. Rare jewelry, kitschy
gifts and antiques are among the other goods for sale in
these boutiques.
Insider insight: The nearby Van Briggle Pottery art
studio draws collectors from all over the world.
Manitou Springs
Where: Four miles west of Colorado Springs on
Cimarron St./Hwy. 24
The find: Boutiques, galleries and handicrafts
The lowdown: This little
town tucked between the base of Pike’s Peak and Garden
of the Gods is chock full of worthwhile shopping. Browse
among small boutiques, galleries and trading posts to
discover earthy clothing designs, American Indian
jewelry, handmade candies, Pike’s Peak region souvenirs
and tons of other treasures.
Insider Insight: Take a
moment to stop and listen to the gentle gurgle of
Fountain Creek, which runs alongside the main shopping
avenues.
The Promenade Shops at Briargate
Where: North Colorado Springs; Hwy. 83 and Briargate
Parkway
The find: Pet-friendly, name-brand shopping
The lowdown: How often
does one get to browse all their favorite chain stores
on open-air paths lined with wildflowers in the midst of
majestic mountain views? See what it’s like at this
innovative shopping center. Briargate puts an emphasis
on community development by hosting events such as
Easter egg hunts, blood drives and art showings, and by
making a donation to a different local organization each
month. Insider insight: Look for the "Pets Welcome"
decal in the windows of stores that allow Fido to
accompany you as you shop. At this pet-friendly mall,
your pup will feel right at home with access to water
bowls and the occasional doggy treat.
Outlets at Castle Rock
Where: I_25, exit 184
The find: Deep discounts on name brands
The lowdown: Conveniently
located between Colorado Springs and Denver, this is one
Colorado outlet mall you should be sure to visit. Wind
your way through six giant clusters of shops in an airy
outdoor setting, and you’ll come across some of the
biggest names in retail. Best of all, the prices are
typically deeply discounted from full retail. Stop by
the information desk, located in the food court, for a
free savings card with discount offers for select shops.
Insider insight: Stay until early evening for sunset
views of the foothills to the west of the outlets.
Department of the Colorado Tourism Office
www.colorado.com
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